Bagnall named as Whiting Forest program manager

Updated 9:39 am, Thursday, July 6, 2017

Dow Gardens recently hired Kyle Bagnall to the newly-formed position of program manager of Whiting Forest.

In his role, Bagnall will provide leadership for the development and delivery of high-quality public programming within the newly-expanded facility. A playground, forest classroom, orchard, visitor center and 1400-foot canopy walk will offer amazing venues for both scripted and unscripted experiences, Dow Gardens stated.

"We're thrilled that Kyle is joining us at such an exciting time for Dow Gardens," Director Elizabeth Lumbert said. "As we continue to grow, including the extraordinary addition of the nation's longest Canopy Walk, we're thinking about how we can foster and refresh our partnerships with the community of Midland and beyond. Kyle brings with him broad expertise as a manager, naturalist, historian and arts enthusiast, which will help to strengthen that mission."

Bagnall graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in public history from Western Michigan University in 1993. From 1990-1994, he served as an historical interpreter for Mackinac State Historic Parks at Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island. In 1995, Kyle joined the staff of Midland's Chippewa Nature Center as manager of historical programs. Also an accomplished naturalist, he designed and delivered programs for all ages highlighting our connection with the natural world, including festivals, workshops, lectures, first-person reenactments, demonstrations and eco-tourism adventures.